I'm obsessed with ... sparkle nail polish

My three favorite shades from Butter London include Knackered, Chancer and Disco Biscuit. Each $14.

I love manicures – picking the colors, reading a salon’s trashy tabloids, being lectured on my cuticle care, etc. – but I can’t stand the color dullness that sets in just two days later.

Zoya's Charla shade is what I imagine a mermaid's tail color to look like.

I know matte and dull was in last year, around the same time puke-chic colors were trendy, but I’m not a fan. I want my nails looking shiny, bright and noticeable for as long as possible, which is why I opt for nail shades with a bit of glimmer to them. No, not 5-year-old-esque chunky glitter (I’m not a wannabe Disney princess); just a subtle sparkle and shimmer that somehow manages to extend the shine factor for a good two additional days. I don’t know the science behind it, but it’s as effective as adding another layer of top coat.

My favorite brands include Butter London, which sells sophisticated sparkle shades that, as they claim, “take any outfit into evening mode” (their sexy red “Chancer”, $14, is my go-to for weddings and special events). I’m a little too excited for their newest collection, featuring a peppy hot pink called "Disco Biscuit" and a twinkling oyster called "Knackered."

Meanwhile, Zoya’s sparkle collection ($8 each, $38 for the sampler collection) features deep gemstone colors, like eggplant purple and Christmas tree green, that are reminiscent of “The Wizard of Oz.” I rely on the mesmerizing “Charla,” a metallic shade that straddles green and blue, depending on the lighting.

Essie /

Essie's Luxeffects line are meant to add some shimmer over your favorite polish.

Need to be eased into shimmering shades? Essie recently released their Luxeffects line, a dazzling collection of textured topcoats that add a hint of sparkle to any nail color. The collection’s tagline is “bring on the bling,” which is a motto we can fully believe in.